Shipper carton



I of 4 Sheet' INVENTOR.

CHARLES L. CHMFl/N BY PE/VDLETON, /VE'UMAN Arromvfrs Filed Nov. 6. 1967 May 20, 1969 May 20, 1969 SHIPPER CARTON Filed Nov. 6, 1967 C. L. CHAMPLIN Sheet Fig. 2

as Fig. 5

INVENTOR.

CHARLES 1 cm'MPL//v PE/vaLe-rom 5am/v .9E/501.0 a WML/AMS May 20, 1969 c'. L. CHAMPLIN SHIPPER CARTON Shegt 4 of 4 Filed Nov. 6, 1967 Fig. 6

www RMUM OEL MHNM EC.N..W VLOa m57 EEO LLL RWM me@ CPS A TTURNEYS United States Patent O U.S. Cl. 229--40 8 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A one-piece Shipper carton formed from a blank of foldable sheet material for packaging a book or the like, wherein the bottom panel of said carton, which subtends the back cover of an accommodated book, has formed integral therewith retaining straps which snugly engage the opposite ends of said book. The carton also includes a top panel which overlies the front cover of the accommodated book and is bonded to the retaining straps when the latter are snugly engaging said book and thus, prevent accidental endwise shifting of the book within the carton. The carton is provided with end walls which are disposed in spaced relation with respect to the adjacent ends of the accommodated book and the retaining straps engaging said book ends, The corresponding peripheral sides of the top and bottom panels are interconnected by side panels which snugly engage the sides of the accommodated book and thus prevent accidental sidewise shifting of said book.

Background of the invention Various shi er cartons for use in ackaging books or the like have heretofore been proposed; however, because of various structural features, said prior shipper cartons have been beset with one or more shortcomings. These shortcomings for example might be (a) the carton is diflicult and awkward to set up and/ or load either manually or by automatic equipment; (b) the carton is ineffective in providing protection for the accommodated product even when the package is subjected to normal handling; and (c) the package utilizes numerous complementary parts thereby increasing the cost thereof and the diiculty of assemblying same.

Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a shipper carton which avoids the shortcomings of the prior art.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a carton which is of simple and inexpensive construction and yet provides adequate protection for the accommodated product even when the package is subjected to abusive handling,

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a shipper carton of simple design and which may be readily set up by conventional high speed folding equipment.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

Summary of invention In accordance with one embodiment of this invention a shipper carton is provided which comprises a bottom panel upon which a book to be packaged is placed, and a top panel overlying the book and arranged in substantially superposed relation with respect to the bottom panel. Corresponding peripheral portions of the top and bottom panels are foldably interconnected to one another by elongated narrow side panels, the narrowness of each side panel closely approximating the thickness of the accommodated book. Foldably connected to opposite end edges of the bottom panel are retaining straps which are adapted 3,445,054 Patented May 20, 1969 lCe to cooperate with one another and snugly engage the book therebetween. The ends of the retaining straps overlap the front cover of the accommodated book. The top panel has foldably connected to opposite end edges thereof end closure aps which are secured to the exposed surface of the bottom panel when the top panel overlies the book front cover. The top panel has the concealed surface thereof secured to the ends of the retaining straps. The end closure aps form the end walls of the carton which are spaced from the adjacent ends of the accommodated book; the said adjacent books ends being snugly engaged by the retaining straps.

For a more complete understanding of the invention reference should be made to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one form of the improved shipper carton blank, the surface of the blank upon which the accommodated book engages being exposed;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. l but showing a book in position and snugly engaged by the retaining straps;

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 but showing re-enforcing strut members in folded position;

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 but showing the top panel overlying the front cover of the accommodated book;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, but inverted, and showing the end closure flaps in folded relation;

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 but showing the side closure iiap in folded condition;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 8 8 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 9 9 of FIG. 7.

Description Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 7, one form of the improved shipper carton 10 is shown which is particularly suitable for packaging one or more books for shipment via the mails or the like. r[lie illustrated carton 10 in this instance is formed from a blank 11 (see FIG. 1) of sheet material (e.g., paperboard) which may be readily set up either manually or by automatic equipment of conventional design.

While the carton and blank illustrated and described herein are with regard to packaging one or more books, it is to be understood of course that the invention is not to be limited thereto but may vary therefrom in size and configuration dependent upon the particular product to be packaged.

Blank 11 is provided with a first set of foldlines 12, 13, 14, and 15 which extend longitudinally of the blank and cooperate with one another to form a bottom panel 16; an elongated, narrow first side panel 17, a top panel 18, an elongated narrow second side panel 20, and an elongated side closure fiap 21. A second set of foldlines 22a and b, 23, and 24 are also provided which extend transversely of the blank and form respectively at both the top and bottom of the blank, as seen in FIG. 1, a pair of reenforcing strut members 25; a retaining flap 26 disposed intermediate the members 25 forming the pair; and an end closure flap 27. It will be noted in FIG. 1 that the spacing or distance S1 between the two foldlines 23 is less than the spacing or distance S2 between the two pairs of foldlines 22a and b. This spacing differential is important for reasons to be hereinafter discussed.

The spacing S1 closely approximates the height or longitudinal dimension of the book B which is intended to be packaged in the carton. Where, however, two or more books are to be packaged in one carton, the spacing S1 approximates the longitudinal dimension of the longest book. In the latter case the book with the longest longitudinal dimension should be positioned against bottom panel 16 as shown in FIG. 2. When packing two or more books in one carton, it is preferred that all the books have approximately the same longitudinal (height) and transverse (width) dimensions.

Each retaining strap or iiap 26 is provided with a foldline 28 which is disposed in spaced parallel relation with respect to foldline 23. The spacing between foldlines 23 and 28 corresponds to the thickness of the accommodated book B or the total thickness of the books if more than one is to be packaged. The distal portion 26a of strap 26 is adapted to overlie the back cover B1 of the accommodated book B, see FIG. 2, or the back cover of the book furthest removed from panel 16, if more than one book is to be packaged in the carton. When straps 26 have been folded to the positions as shown in FIG. 2, the book(s) is snugly held therebetween.

In a like manner each re-enforcing strut member 25, which is separated from the adjacent strap 26 by a cut 29, is provided with a foldline 30a or b which is disposed in spaced parallel relation with respect to the adjacent foldline 22a or b. The portion 25a of the strut member` disposed between the spaced parallel foldlines is yadapted to assume an angular or diagonal position (see FIG. 8) when the carton 10 is fully set up. When portion 25a is so disposed, the distal portion 25b of the strut member 25 is adapted to overlie the back cover B1 of the accommodated book B as shown in FIG. 3.

By reason of the differential in dimensions S1 and S2 formed by the foldlines 22a and b and 23, a -void or hollow space V is formed at opposite ends of the carton 10 when it is fully set up, see FIG. 8. These voids V protect the ends of the accommodated book(s) in the event the package is dropped on its end or the corner of the end when being subjected to abusive handling. The end closure ilaps 27 are each provided with a foldline 31 which is disposed in spaced parallel relation with respect to foldline 24. The portion 27a of each end closure flap disposed between the foldlines 24 and 31 is adapted to form an end wall of the carton when the latter is fully set up, see FIG. 8. The outer or distal portion 27b of each closure ap 27 is adapted to overlie the exposed outer surface of the bottom panel 16, as also seen in FIG. 8. The dimension of portion 27b measured normal to foldline 31 should generally be greater than the dimension of the void measured between the end wall-forming portion 27a and the adjacent end of the accommodated book and thus prevent dirt or other foreign material becoming entrapped -Within the void V once the book is packaged within the carton 10.

Side closure flap 21, which in the illustrated embodiment is connected by foldline to side wall panel 20, may, if-desired, be provided with la tear strip 21a formed by a pair of spaced perforations or cut-scores 32 so as to facilitate opening of the carton, see FIG. 7. The tear strip 21a is disposed close to foldline 15 and has one end thereof shaped so as to form .a linger tab 2lb.

It will be noted in FIG. 1 that the exposed surface of the top panel 18, which surface is ultimately concealed when the blank is fully set up, is provided with a pair of spaced substantially parallel elongated adhesive stripes 33. The stripes extend transversely of the blank, see FIG. 1, for substantially the full width of the panel 18 and are adapted to effect an adhesive bond between top panel 18 and retaining strap portions 26a and re-enforcing strut member portions ZSb.

End closure flap portions 27b are each provided with an elongated adhesive stripe 34 which is disposed parallel to foldline 31 and is adapted to effect an adhesive bond with the exposed outer surface of bottom panel 16, see FIG. 8. It is to be noted that the distance between each foldline 31 and the adjacent adhesive stripe 34 is greater than one-half the differential between dimensions S1 and S2. rIhus, when the blank is set up stripes 33 will be in substantial superposed `relation with respect to stripes 34 and the latter will effect a continuous Strong bond with the exposed surface of panel 16.

Side closure ap 21 is also provided with an elongated adhesive stripe 35 which is disposed substantially parallel with respect to foldline 15. It Will be noted in FIG. 7

that flap 21 is adapted to overlie and be secured to the upper ends of closure flap portions 27a.

Because of the configuration and disposition of the adhesive stripes 33-35, the same may readily be applied by high speed gluing equipment commonly in use today.

In packaging a book or the like, the book B is initially placed upon and centered on bottom panel 16 with the back cover B1 thereof facing upwardly and with the bound edge B3 thereof aligned with the right edge of the blank, see FIG. 2. Subsequent to the book being positioned thereon, the retaining straps 26 are folded so as to snugly engage the narrow ends of the book. The end portions 26a of the straps overlie the back cover B1. Re-enforcing strut members 25 are then folded so that the end portions 25h thereof overlies the exposed surface of the book back cover B1, see FIG. 3. When the members 25 are in their folded positions, the portions 25a thereof assume angular longitudinally extending positions, see FIG. 8.

While straps 26 and re-enforcing members 25 are held in their folded positions, side panel 17 and the top panel 18 are folded as a unit about foldline 12 to an upright position and then panel 18 is folded about foldline 13 into overlying superposed relation with respect to member portions 2511, strap portions 26a, and the book back cover B1, see FIG. 4. Pressure as Well as heat, if desired, are applied to the folded top panel so as to make the adhesive bond between the top panel and the portions 25b and 26a.

The end closure flaps 27 .carried by the top panel 16 are then folded about foldlines 24 and 31 whereby end wall-forming portions 27a form upright carton end walls and distal portions 27b are banded to and overlie the exposed surface of bottom panel '116, see FIG. 6. Side wall panel `20 and side closure ap 21 are then folded about foldlines 14 and 15, respectively so that ap 21 overlies and is bonded to the exposed surface of panel 18, see FIG. 7.

The transverse dimension of bottom panel 16 and top panel 18 correspond approximately to the width dimension of the front and back covers of the book, so that when the blank is fully set up the book B is snugly held between the side wall panels 17 and 20, see FIG. 9. Thus, the book, when disposed within the set up blank, is effectively held against both sidewise and endwise movement.

Because the end portions 25b of the re-inforcing strut members y25 are bonded only to top panel 18, any shock which is applied to the end of the carton is transmitted through portions 25a to top panel 1'8 whereby the shock is absorbed by panel 18 through iiexing thereof without adversely affecting the accommodated book or books. Flexing of bottom panel 16 might also occur in a similar manner. Thus, strut member portions 25a function as spring-like shock absorbers.

While strut members 25 are shown in FIG. 8 as forming triangularly shaped shock-absorbing unit, they may in certain instances be shaped to rectangular form.

To open the package is a simple manipulation requiring only the pulling of the tear strip tab 2lb across the length of flap 21. Once the tear strip has been removed, the bound edge B3 of the book is readily accessible and the book can then be pulled out from the carton through the open side of the carton.

While a tear strip 21a and side closure Hap 21 are shown and described, they may be substituted by a length of suitable binding tape which has embedded therein a tear string or cord. In this modified construction the tape length extends the full length of side wall panel 20 and has a portion of the tape bonded to the exposed surface of the panel 20 and the remaining portion bonded to the exposed surface of panel 16. The tear string or cord in such an instance is aligned with the corner formed by panels 16 and 20.

While Various modifications have heretofore been described the invention is not limited thereto as further modifications are contemplated and it is intended by the appended claims to cover all of said modications.

I claim:

1. An one-piece shipper carton for use in packaging a book, said carton comprising a bottom panel for subtending the back cover of the book; a pair of retaining straps foldably connected to the opposite end edges of said bottom panel for snugly engaging the ends of the book disposed transversely to the bound edge of the book, the free ends of said straps being adapted to partially overlie the book front cover; a top panel for overlying the front cover of the book and being secured to the free ends of the straps partially overlying the book front cover; side panels interconnecting corresponding side edges of said top and bottom panels for snugly engaging the book bound edge and the book edge opposite thereto; and end iaps foldably connected to the opposite end edges of said top panel and partially overlying and being secured to the exposed surface of said bottom panel, said end aps concealing the fold connections between said retaining straps and said bottom panel, portions of said end aps forming carton end walls; the distance between the fold connections of said retaining strips with said bottom panel being less than the distance between the fold connections of said end flaps with said top panel whereby a space is provided at each end of the carton between the book and snugly engaged by a retaining strap and adjacent wall-forming portion of said end ap.

2. The carton of claim 1 including a side closure flap foldably connected to one of said side panels and partially overlying and being secured to the exposed surface of said end flaps and said bottom panel, and reenforcing strut members foldably connected to the opposite end edges of said bottom panel and disposed adjacent said retaining straps, the distance between the fold connections of said strut members and said bottom panel being greater than the distance between the fold connections of said retaining straps and said bottom panel; each strut member being folded to extend angularly between the top and bottom panels and within the space formed adjacent each end of said carton.

3. The carton of claim 2 wherein each strut member has a free end which is adapted to partially overlie the book front cover and be secured to said top panel.

4. The carton of claim 3 wherein a pair of re-enforcing strut members are foldably connected to each end edge of said bottom panel and are disposed on opposite sides of the retaining strap connected to said end edge.

5. A shipper carton blank comprising a rst set of longitudinal foldlines cooperating to form a bottom panel, a first side panel, a top panel and a second side panel, and a set of cuts extending longitudinally of said bottom panel and a second set of oldlines extending transversely of said yfirst foldline set and cooperating therewith to form a pair of foldable retaining straps extending from opposite ends of said bottom panel, a pair of end panels extending from opposite ends of said top panel, and end closure laps extending from said end panels; the spacing between the foldlines connecting the retaining straps to the bottom panel being less than the spacing between the foldlines connecting the end panels to the top panel.

6. The blank of claim 5 including a side closure flap foldably connected to said second side panel and adapted to overlie and be secured to the exposed surface of said bottom panel when said blank is set up to form a shipper carton. al

7. The blank of claim 5 including a re-enforcing strutI member foldably connected to the opposite end edges of said bottom panel.

8. The blank of claim 7 wherein two re-enforcing strut members are foldably connected to the opposite end edges of said bottom panel; the retaining strap on each end edge being disposed intermediate and adjacent to two strut members.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,609,136 9/1952 Sider 206-46 3,325,964 6/1967 Boitel 229-40 3,368,735 2/1968 Levi 229-40 DAVID M. BOCKENEK, Prmazy Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R.

gg@ UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3, 1415,05# Dated May 20, 1969 Inventor(S) Charles L. Cham'plin It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col line 35: "banded" should be bonded C01 5, une 6: "An" should be A Col 5, line 25: "strips" should be straps-- Col 5, line 29: "and" (fir-st occur-rence) should be end-- Col 5, line 29: insert the after "and" (second Occurrence) SIGNED AND SEALED (SEAL) Auen:

Eawua M. mmh, Jr. WILLIAM E. suuuymz, m. I Attesting Officer Commissioner at Patejtg 

